SCIENTIFIC NAME: Austrostipa bigeniculata and A. rudis (formerly Stipa bigeniculata and S. rudis)
CATEGORY: C3 perennial
IDENTIFICATION TIPS
Erect, yearlong green, perennial, grasses, growing in dense clumps to 1.5m high
Leaves tufted at the base; long and narrow, smooth and rather stiff
Seedhead is a somewhat-narrow open panicle to 25-50cm long
Large spikelets have a single seed, with an awn (4.5-9cm long) that is abruptly twice-bent
Flowers from late spring to mid summer
CLIMATIC SOIL REQUIREMENTS
Largely confined to higher altitudes
Found on a range of soil types, from low fertility course sedimentary soils (granite/sandstone) to heavier, more fertile basalts. However, the presence of remnant grassland is probably more important than soil type
GRAZING NUTRITIONAL VALUE
Low to moderate grazing value
No digestibility or crude protein figures are available
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Fairly coarse and not readily eaten until more palatable species have been grazed. More readily grazed by cattle than sheep
Seeds freely and can quickly recolonise disturbed site and degraded pastures
Seeds can cause injury to stock, especially sheep
Responds to fertility, but usually not fertilised due to its occurrence in remnant grasslands
Best suited to lightly stocked situations. Resting at flowering will aid persistence at higher stocking rates
Heavy grazing or slashing at flowering will reduce seed contamination, but may reduce the populations over time
SIMILAR PLANTS
Tall speargrass (Austrostipa bigeniculata) grows to 1.2m tall and has an awn 4-5.5cm long. It is found on a range of soils types, but is most common on heavier, more fertile soils. Of moderate grazing value, it seems to be one of the most persistent grasses in areas of African lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) infestations
Tall speargrass (Austrostipa rudis) grows to 1.5m tall and has an awn up to 9cm long. It is found on low fertility sandstones and granites. Of low grazing value, it declines under set stocking and is largely absent from pastures unless lightly stocked
Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana) has a raised crown of tissue surrounding the base of the awn on the seed